Internship Programme - United Nations Population Fund

Position: Internship – Programme Coordination Unit
Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Contract Type: Internship
Job ID: 32385
Closing Date: 20 March 2026

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About the Internship

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is offering an internship opportunity within the Programme Coordination Unit at the East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) in Johannesburg. The intern will work under the supervision of the Regional Programme Coordination Advisor and assist in supporting the implementation and coordination of regional programmes.

The role focuses on supporting the implementation of the Regional Programme Action Plan (RPAP) aligned with the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026–2029, assisting with programme development across countries in the region, monitoring budgets and financial expenditures, and helping strengthen systems and tools used for programme monitoring and management.

During the internship, a structured work plan will be developed to support the intern’s professional learning and skill development. Regular progress meetings will help ensure meaningful learning experiences and capacity building aligned with UNFPA’s mission.

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations agency dedicated to improving reproductive health and rights worldwide. The organization works toward a world where:

• Every pregnancy is intended

• Every childbirth is safe

• Every young person can reach their full potential

The UNFPA Strategic Plan 2026–2029 focuses on accelerating global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing critical priorities such as:

• Expanding access to family planning

• Reducing preventable maternal deaths

• Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices

• Responding to demographic changes through evidence-based policies

Key Responsibilities

Support Country Programme Development

• Assist with capacity-building initiatives for UNFPA Country Offices in East and Southern Africa.

• Contribute to the development and review of key UN planning documents such as Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

• Help review country programme documents and track programme development progress.

• Support activities related to the Regional Programme Review Committee (PRC).

• Assist in reviewing country work plans and implementation reports to ensure compliance with programme and financial guidelines.

Programme Monitoring and Budget Oversight

• Assist in monitoring and reporting on regional programme implementation.

• Support preparation and review of programme work plans and budgets.

• Help track programme and financial performance across regional and country offices.

• Assist with implementing partner management and assurance processes.

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Support updates to programme documentation and internal knowledge resources.

• Help prepare knowledge products highlighting best practices, lessons learned, and emerging issues.

• Participate in meetings reviewing evaluation feedback and technical assistance provided by the Regional Office.

Internship Eligibility Requirements

Educational Requirements

Applicants must either:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s degree) in fields like international development, public health, gender studies, population studies, or related areas, or

• Have recently graduated with a relevant degree and start the internship within one year of graduation.

Additional Requirements

Applicants should:

• Show a strong interest in development work.

• Have strong written and spoken communication skills in English or French.

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Adapt easily to new working environments.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience working with development organisations (including volunteer work).

• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

• Fluency in English; knowledge of additional languages is an advantage.

Learning Opportunities

Through this internship, participants will gain:

• An understanding of UNFPA operations and the regional structure in East and Southern Africa.

• Knowledge of UN governance systems and programme management processes.

• Experience in programme planning, monitoring, and reporting.

• Exposure to international development coordination and technical assistance.

• Opportunities to collaborate and network with UN professionals.

• Experience working in a diverse, multicultural team environment.

Financial Information

Interns receive a stipend to help cover daily expenses, provided they are not financially supported by another institution such as a university or scholarship programme.

Applicants must also have valid medical insurance for the duration of the internship, as UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.

UNFPA Values and Work Environment

UNFPA promotes a workplace built on integrity, diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. The organization encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Equal opportunity is central to UNFPA’s recruitment, training, and employment practices.

Important Notice

The selection process may include background checks, reference verification, and medical clearance. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.

Closing Date for Applications: 20 March 2026.

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